Merced’s homeless get services at annual event

Having a haircut, picking up basic toiletries or getting copies of vital documents are tasks that may be simple for many people, but not for those who are homeless. On Friday, hundreds of Merced’s most in-need residents received access to useful services during Homeless Connect.

The annual event gathered about 45 nonprofit groups, public agencies and homeless advocates together at the American Legion Hall in Merced.

Those visiting the event were able to sign up for public assistance, order a copy of a birth certificate or just enjoy a meal.

Larry Smith, 58, of Merced sat down for a haircut from a volunteer. Smith said he’s been living in a tent on private property in Merced for more than two years.

Besides the haircut, he also picked up a bag filled with hygiene items and talked to a group that provides legal advice.

Help is harder to come by most days, he said, so Connect was a comfort. “You don’t come across it often,” he said. “You don’t come across it in a dumpster.”

The event drew about 330 people looking for help, an increase from last year’s 300, according to Phil Schmauss, director of marketing for the Merced County Rescue Mission. He said the Department of Motor Vehicles passed out more than 130 photo IDs, more than tripling those that went out last year.

Having a government-issued identification card is essential for a homeless person trying to obtain services or apply for a job, he said.

Many people living on the street are too busy trying to meet their immediate needs – food and shelter – to search out the things they need to get back on their feet, he said. “The longer you’re on the street, you lose certain skills,” he said.

Connect is meant to bridge that gap.

Health clinic workers were on hand to give flu shots, check blood pressure and provide other routine care. Dr. Salvador Sandoval of Golden Valley Health Centers provided exams.

He said some people are living on the street while dealing with chronic health issues. Many people suffer the effects of exposure, whether under a summer sun or cold winter night’s sky. “(We see) a lot of blisters from just being on their feet all day,” he said.

Many of their health needs are simple to treat, he said, but a homeless person might be more likely to let them linger while they try to meet their immediate needs.

Under the Affordable Care Act, he said, doctors can provide homeless people with X-rays, CT scans and other tests that may have not been an option in past years.

LifeLine Community Development provided clothes through its Bus Boutique, and the Merced County Library passed out library cards through the Bookmobile.

Issues related to homelessness are a common topic in Merced. Continuum of Care reported in February that the number of homeless people counted in Merced County was 899, an increase of 17 percent from the year before. The recent tally included 876 adults and 23 children throughout the county. The number of homeless in the city of Merced also was greater at 592, compared with 476 last year.

Carol Bowman, executive director of United Way of Merced County, spoke with dozens of people who live on the street. She said the questions were part of a “vulnerability index survey.”

The idea is to identify each person’s physical, mental, emotional and other needs.

“Those who are the most vulnerable will get housed first,” she said.

This story was originally published September 25, 2015 at 2:02 PM with the headline "Merced’s homeless get services at annual event."